FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013 SA MINES & ENERGY JOURNAL
16
FEATURE
Mayor Vanstone said the
announcement had "revitalised
interest in the business sector"
and "increased confidence"
.
"The $350 million upgrade is the
most pivotal announcement in Port
Pirie's post-war history,
" he said.
"Nyrstar has been the main
employer of the town since 1889
and remains the most significant
employer over 100 years later.
"We have been promised
many different things from
many different industries, but
the smelter remains strong.
"
One promise that could benefit
the town is the possible upgrade
of the Port Pirie wharf to cater
for an expected demand in
exporting ores and concentrates
from northern miners.
"We have already signed a
Memorandum of Understanding
with explorers who want to
use Port Pirie as an export
port for their commodities,
"
Mayor Vanstone said.
"The port monopoly situation
is really affecting the agriculture
sector and the mining and
energy industries also.
"
A study regarding an effective
means of export, preferred
site location and infrastructure
requirements is flagged as part of
the key strategic priority for growth
in the region in the coming years.
"This will really secure Port Pirie
as a mining hub,
" Mr Vanstone said.
Jason Kuchel, Chief Executive
of SACOME, said the upgrade has
"thrown a lifeline to Port Pirie"
.
"The upgrade of the plant is an
important piece of infrastructure
for the mining industry in its own
right, but it also highlights the
need for government intervention
on other key mining infrastructure
to accelerate resources projects
for the benefit of the South
Australian economy,
" he said.
"Infrastructure to help
accelerate resources projects
would advantage Port Pirie and
many other communities, to be
insulated against downturns or
poor performance in other sectors.
"With Nyrstar so close to
the brink, it highlights how
many regional areas are almost
entirely reliant on one industry.
"Additional resources
activity such as developing
ports or providing funding for
infrastructure will bring resilience
to the regions, the importance
of which is often forgotten.
"
For now, the upgrade of the
smelters is set to secure the future
of Port Pirie for at least 30 years.
Federal Member for Grey,
Rowan Ramsey, worked closely
with the Government to ensure
reinvestment in the smelter
was considered paramount.
"Australian manufacturing and
processing has been losing jobs at
an alarming rate and it is wonderful
that at least on this occasion the
main parties, that is all levels of
government, the company and
the finance sector are all pulling
together to hold the line,
" he said.
"At least equally importantly,
the new technology will provide
the impetus to get rid of the
negative stories about Port Pirie's
lead emissions once and for all.
"
Local Member for Frome,
Geoff Brock, who played a pivotal
role in securing the agreement,
said the announcement
provides "great optimism" for
the future of the region.
"The State Government Task
Force has worked diligently and
tirelessly with Nyrstar and the
Federal Government to reach this
in-principle agreement,
" he said.
"I wish those involved in
the feasibility study, which
now must now be undertaken
under the terms of the in-
principle agreement, the very
best to deliver an optimistic
and prosperous future.
"
SACOME member Worley
Parsons will conduct the feasibility
study, with a final investment
case expected to be completed
by the end of the year.
When asked what to expect
to see when returning to the
site in the years following the
expected commissioning in
early 2016, Mr Poynter replied:
"Improved environmental
performance, aged plants no
longer operational, an advanced
e-waste recycling recovery system
-- and a much younger workforce!"
Truly a ground-breaking
initiative.
The $350 million
upgrade is the
most pivotal
announcement
in Port Pirie's
post-war history